Is it Unlawful to Burn or Destroy an Australian Flag? The short answer to that question is 'no'. There is no Federal or state legislation in Australia which prohibits the destruction of the national flag. Many politicians, lawyers and academics claim, in fact, that it is a legitimate act of political protest.
After the ceremony the flag may either be placed in a permanent place of storage or should be destroyed privately and in a dignified way such as cutting it into small unrecognisable pieces, placing it in an appropriate sealed bag or closed container and then putting it in the normal rubbish collection.
the Australian National Flag should be raised first and lowered last. the flag should be raised to the top of the flagpole briefly, and then lowered slowly and ceremoniously. flags flown at half-mast should be positioned a third of the distance down the flagpole.
No. There's no specific law that makes the burning of the Australian flag illegal, but it is typically punished as 'disorderly conduct' or destruction of property instead. While it's legal to burn the Australian flag, it must be done safely.
Images of the flag can be used on clothing, as long as it's not defaced or covered, and the main symbolic elements are identifiable.
Can the flag be repaired or mended? Answer: There are no provisions of the Flag Code which prohibit the sewing or repairing the flag. We do caution that if material is removed, the flag may no longer conform to the size proportions, as specified in Executive Order 10834.
It is preferable not to fly a wet flag. Having a wet flag makes it heavy in the wind puts excessive strain on the fabric and stitching and will greatly reduce the life of your flag.
The Australian National Flag, the Australian Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag can be obtained free of charge by contacting the electorate office of your local Senator or Member of the House of Representatives.
The Australian National Flag may be used to cover the coffin of any deceased Australian citizen at their funeral. The canton should be draped over the 'left shoulder' of the coffin, representing the heart. The flag should be removed before the coffin is lowered into the grave or, at a crematorium, after the service.
Any person may fly the Australian National Flag. However, the flag should be treated with the respect and dignity it deserves as the nation's most important national symbol. Flag protocol is based on longstanding international and national practice.
The flag was first raised on 9 July 1971. In 1995, the Aboriginal flag was recognised by the Australian Government as an official 'Flag of Australia' under the Flags Act 1953. In January 2022, the Commonwealth of Australia acquired the copyright of the Aboriginal Flag.
Australia has a national flag but also recognises other flags, including state and territory flags, the Aboriginal flag, the Torres Strait Islander flag, Defence Force Ensigns and the Australian Red Ensign (flown at sea by Australian registered merchant ships).
The flag should be raised no earlier than first light and should be lowered no later than dusk. The flag may only be flown at night when illuminated. Two flags should not be flown from the same flagpole. The flag should not be flown upside down, even as a signal of distress.
The Australian flag must be hoisted first and lowered last. When flying the Australian flag with State flags and/or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags, in a line of flagpoles, the order of the flags should follow the rules of precedence (see below). Flags should not be flown at night unless properly lit.
A rusting metal pole or a wooden pole that is splintering can act like sand paper against a new flag wearing it down with every pass. Even worse the pole could rip the flag. Make sure that you keep your flag pole surface clean and free of rust and dirt to prevent tearing the flag.
No one person or agency is authorized with retiring American flags – so consider a dignified DIY retirement. The Boy Scouts suggest cutting apart your flag, such that you do not cut through the blue field of stars (symbolically maintaining the union). Once cut apart, it ceases to be a flag.
Polyester and nylon flags can be ironed with regular home appliances such as an iron, garment steamer, or even a hair dryer. However, vinyl flags will melt and warp with heat, so make sure your flag is made from polyester or nylon before using one of these methods.
Australian flags include the Aboriginal flag, Torres Strait Islander flag and many ensigns used in defence and civilian organisations.
The rules also state that the flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery.
The Australian Government's policy in relation to the flying of other nations' flags is to fly only the official flags of nations recognised by Australia.
The Australian National Flag Association (ANFA) believes that the existing design is an integral part of the Australian heritage and an appropriate expression of our national identity. The existing design of stars and crosses should therefore be retained and not altered in any manner whatsoever.
Long associated with Australian sporting achievements, the national colours have strong environmental connections. Gold conjures images of Australia's beaches, mineral wealth, grain harvests and the fleece of Australian wool. Green evokes the forests, eucalyptus trees and pastures of the Australian landscape.
The Australian Aboriginal Flag and Torres Strait Islander Flag were proclaimed flags of Australia under section 5 of the Flags Act 1953 on 14 July 1995.
There is nothing wrong with non-Indigenous people wearing or embracing Indigenous material culture, provided that culture was made locally, and was made for sale. Wear Aboriginal iconography and jewellery, but do it with integrity.
This means that the Aboriginal flag is freely available for public use and can be used on apparel such as sporting jerseys and shirts, included on websites, artworks, used digitally and in any other medium without payment, fear or permission.